Franklin Barbecue Explained

Franklin Barbecue
Image Alt:Franklin Barbecue Austin About to Open
Current-Owner:Aaron and Stacy Franklin
Food-Type:Barbecue
Dress-Code:Casual
Street-Address:900 E 11th St.
City:Austin
State:Texas
Postcode:78702

Franklin Barbecue is a barbecue restaurant located in Austin, Texas, founded in 2009 by Aaron Franklin. The restaurant has attracted a national following.[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

History

In 2009, Aaron Franklin launched the restaurant in a trailer.[6] [7] The restaurant has sold out of brisket every day since its establishment.[8] [9] Franklin Barbecue moved to a brick and mortar location in 2011. The building was painted in the same color scheme as the original trailer Franklin started in.[10] The restaurant appeared on in September 2012.[11] In July 2014, President Barack Obama visited the restaurant and bought lunch for those in line behind him.[12] The restaurant is prominently featured in a scene from the 2014 Jon Favreau film Chef, with speaking cameos by owner Aaron Franklin and general manager Benji Jacob.[13]

Fire and reopening

In the early morning of August 26, 2017, a fire broke out in the smoke house section of the Austin eatery, heavily damaging portions of the outer building. The main restaurant area suffered only smoke damage.[14] The restaurant would close for three months before returning as a smaller operation in November 2017. By March of 2018, the smokehouse had been redesigned and rebuilt.[15]

Food

Franklin Barbecue has been credited with leading the new-traditionalist barbecue movement.[16] Their menu consists of pulled pork, pork ribs, sausages, turkey and brisket. For his Texas style brisket, Franklin uses post oak wood and Meyer Angus beef which is seasoned with salt and pepper.[17]

Awards and honors

In Bon Appetit's July 2011 issue, editor Andrew Knowlton called Franklin Barbecue "the best BBQ in the country."[18] [19] In May 2015, Franklin Barbecue owner Aaron Franklin was awarded a James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: Southwest.[20] He is the first chef who specializes in barbecue to be nominated, or receive, the award.[21] [22] In 2013, Franklin Barbecue was ranked first in Texas Monthly's "The 50 Best BBQ Joints"[23] and was featured on the list again in 2017.[24]

Notable patrons

Franklin Barbecue has attracted a number of famous visitors that includes President Barack Obama,[25] David Chang,[26] Anthony Bourdain,[27] Gordon Ramsay,[28] Jon Favreau,[29] and Jimmy Kimmel.[30]

BBQ with Franklin

In 2013, Austin PBS station KLRU worked with Aaron Franklin to produce a web series, BBQ with Franklin, on barbecue.[31] This show appears on the Create TV network which is part of the PBS family.

Web Episodes

EpisodeDateTitleLengthDescription
1 June 5, 2013 The Brisket 09:19 Aaron discusses what to look for when choosing a brisket, how to trim it and his method of seasoning.
2 June 5, 2013 Ribs - Part 1 10:04 Aaron discusses pork spare ribs, how to trim and season them.
3 June 5, 2013 Ribs - Part 2 06:58 After seasoning the ribs, Aaron walks viewers through cooking them via an offset smoker.
4 July 31, 2013 The Smoker 06:12 Aaron walks viewers through modifying and season a common style offset smoker, available at everyday home improvement and sporting good stores.
5 July 31, 2013 The Payoff 13:00 Aaron discusses when and why to wrap a brisket, what to look for during the cooking process, and how to tell when the brisket is done. Finally, Aaron walks viewers through properly slicing and serving of brisket.
6 July 31, 2013 The Cook 07:05 Aaron talks about fire management, wood selection, and how to achieve optimum cooking temperatures during the lengthy cook.
7 Aug 14, 2013 The Wood 04:55 Aaron describes characteristics and wood strategies for your optimal smoke
8 Aug 29, 2013 Thanksgiving Part 107:59 Learn how to brine and smoke a turkey with Aaron Franklin.
9 Nov 21, 2013 Thanksgiving Part 211:33 Stacy Franklin shares recipes that go perfectly with a smoked turkey such as smoked garlic mashed potatoes and a grilled green bean shishito pepper side dish. Aaron explains how to tell when the turkey is getting done and what to do in the last hour of smoking.
10 Nov 21, 2013 Thanksgiving Part 3 5:00 Special - How to tell when your turkey is finished plus make a beautiful gravy with smoked butter
11 Nov 21, 2013 Pulled Pork 10:30 Aaron shares the secrets of TEXAS-style pulled pork - what to look for in the cut of meat, how to season and how to cook

TV Episodes

[32]

EpisodeDateTitleLengthDescription
1 May 21, 2015 Brisket 26:40 Learn how the brisket became a popular centerpiece of Central Texas BBQ. Hear from legends of Texas BBQ and be guided through a step-by-step brisket cook experiment using three different methods.
2 May 28, 2015 Sausage 24:56 Sausage, often a BBQ afterthought, is now finding reason to take center plate. Aaron makes sausage from scratch and visits some folks who are pushing the boundaries of artisan sausage-making.
3 June 4, 2015 Whole Hog 24:56 Learn the steps that go into a whole hog cook from beginning to end. Aaron walks us through the process of building a cinder block pit, learns about pig breeds and throws a party in his backyard.
4 June 11, 2015 The Pits 24:15 Aaron takes a deep-dive into the realm of BBQ pits, as personal as they are functional. Explore different types of smokers from those at the roots of Texas BBQ to the kinds bought in stores. Aaron builds a smoker out of a 250-gallon propane tank.
5 June 18, 2015 Fire & Smoke 24:13 When you're cooking with fire, you'd better have good wood. Aaron covers the major types of wood used in Texas BBQ, gives some tips on building a fire, and shows a twist on using smoke for more than cooking meat.
6 June 25, 2015 Poultry & Sauce 24:56 Aaron takes us to a Texas BBQ joint where they cook their chicken in a unique way and then teaches us how to make sauce from scratch. Meanwhile, John Markus takes us on a whirlwind tour of the regional sauces of America.
7 July 2, 2015 Direct Heat & Mesquite 24:57 Aaron gets a lesson in cooking "cowboy style", in a way that combines traditional BBQ skills with the grill. Then go behind the scenes at a big city BBQ joint in Dallas and learn their unique take on Texas traditions.
8 July 9, 2015 Competition 24:18 Aaron travels to a BBQ cook-off competition in Kansas with his father-in-law, going way outside his comfort zone.
9 July 16, 2015 Pickin' Beef 24:21 Aaron tours Texas to research and then cook some beef ribs. After a butchering and anatomy class in College Station, Texas, he receives some tips from a legendary Central Texas BBQ family.
10 July 23, 2015 Leftovers 24:15 Aaron sends out a little leftover brisket to some chefs around Austin to see how they are inspired by brisket. We end with a taste test that turns into a party.

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: What To Expect at Franklin Barbecue in Austin (Besides The Finest Barbecue in All The Land). September 11, 2012. February 11, 2015. February 12, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150212013013/http://www.seriouseats.com/2012/09/what-to-expect-at-franklins-barbecue-in-austin.html. live.
  2. Web site: A Day in the Life of Franklin Barbecue's Aaron Franklin, a BBQ genius. June 14, 2011. February 11, 2015. February 12, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150212003120/http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/slideshow/a-day-in-the-life-of-austin-restaurant-franklin-barbecue-s-aaron-franklin-a-bbq-genius/?slide=1. live.
  3. Web site: BBQ With Franklin. February 11, 2015. February 12, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150212004023/http://www.pbs.org/food/web-shows/bbq-with-franklin/. live.
  4. Web site: Franklin BBQ serves 'Crazy' good brisket. November 11, 2014. February 11, 2015. February 12, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150212011004/http://newsok.com/franklin-bbq-serves-crazy-good-brisket/article/5365804. live.
  5. Web site: Austin, the Best New Barbecue Destination. November 14, 2014. February 11, 2015. February 12, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150212003826/http://www.wsj.com/articles/austin-the-best-new-barbecue-destination-1415994424. live.
  6. Web site: The 50 Best BBQ Joints. February 11, 2015. February 12, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150212030015/http://www.texasmonthly.com/lists/franklin-barbecue. live.
  7. Web site: Barbecue’s New Battle Breaks Out in Austin. June 18, 2011. February 11, 2015. April 2, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140402052253/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/19/us/19ttpatoski.html?_r=0. live.
  8. Web site: Franklin BBQ, By the Numbers. February 11, 2015. February 12, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150212005446/https://www.yahoo.com/food/franklin-bbq-by-the-numbers-78973377166.html. live.
  9. Web site: The Best American Travel Destinations for Meat Lovers. February 11, 2015. February 12, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150212003215/http://www.mensjournal.com/expert-advice/the-best-american-travel-destinations-for-meat-lovers-20141216/franklin-barbecue-austin. live.
  10. News: Wells. Pete. 2017-03-14. A MacGyver of Slow-Cooked Meats at Franklin Barbecue. en-US. The New York Times. 2021-04-25. 0362-4331. 2021-04-25. https://web.archive.org/web/20210425043649/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/14/dining/franklin-barbecue-review.html. live.
  11. Web site: Austin's Franklin Barbecue. February 11, 2015. February 12, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150212004341/http://www.travelchannel.com/shows/anthony-bourdain/video/austin-s-franklin-barbecue. live.
  12. Web site: Obama Cuts In Line At Franklin Barbecue, Makes Up For It By Paying It Forward. July 11, 2014. February 11, 2015. February 12, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150212003105/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/11/obama-franklin-barbecue-pays-it-forward-austin_n_5577714.html. live.
  13. Web site: Chef Filming at Franklin BBQ, Headed to Guero's Next. 17 October 2018. 5 October 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20161005021754/http://austin.eater.com/2013/8/21/6383587/chef-filming-at-franklin-bbq-headed-to-gueros-next. live.
  14. News: Odam. Matthew. Fire damages Franklin Barbecue smokehouse. 26 August 2017. Austin American Statesman. 26 August 2017. 27 August 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170827090507/http://www.mystatesman.com/news/local/fire-damages-franklin-barbecue-smokehouse/eUriWafC71YHOqeWrMPEjM/. live.
  15. Web site: Quinton. Luke. 2018-05-02. Inside Franklin Barbecue’s Rise From the Ashes. 2021-04-24. Eater. en. 2021-04-25. https://web.archive.org/web/20210425002247/https://www.eater.com/2018/5/2/17293270/franklin-barbecue-aaron-franklin-austin-fire-reopened-recovery. live.
  16. News: Wells. Pete. 2017-03-14. A MacGyver of Slow-Cooked Meats at Franklin Barbecue. en-US. The New York Times. 2021-04-25. 0362-4331. 2021-04-25. https://web.archive.org/web/20210425043649/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/03/14/dining/franklin-barbecue-review.html. live.
  17. Web site: Knowlton. Andrew. A Day in the Life of Franklin Barbecue's Aaron Franklin, a BBQ genius. 2021-04-25. Bon Appétit. en-US. 2021-04-24. https://web.archive.org/web/20210424232445/https://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/slideshow/a-day-in-the-life-of-austin-restaurant-franklin-barbecue-s-aaron-franklin-a-bbq-genius. live.
  18. Web site: Forbes. Paula. 2011-06-15. Bon Appetit Declares Franklin the Best Barbecue in America. 2021-04-24. Eater Austin. en. 2021-04-24. https://web.archive.org/web/20210424232445/https://austin.eater.com/2011/6/15/6674795/bon-appetit-declares-franklin-the-best-barbecue-in-america. live.
  19. Web site: Knowlton. Andrew. A Day in the Life of Franklin Barbecue's Aaron Franklin, a BBQ genius. 2021-04-24. Bon Appétit. en-US. 2021-04-24. https://web.archive.org/web/20210424232445/https://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/slideshow/a-day-in-the-life-of-austin-restaurant-franklin-barbecue-s-aaron-franklin-a-bbq-genius. live.
  20. Web site: May 4, 2015. Aaron Franklin Wins James Beard Award. May 6, 2015. May 7, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150507174651/http://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/food/2015-05-04/aaron-franklin-wins-james-beard-award/. live.
  21. Web site: May 5, 2015. A JAMES BEARD FOR BARBECUE. May 6, 2015. May 6, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150506202625/http://www.tmbbq.com/a-james-beard-for-barbecue/. live.
  22. Web site: February 24, 2015. A Barbecue Man in a Quiche Town. May 6, 2015. April 29, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150429043615/http://www.tmbbq.com/a-barbecue-man-in-a-quiche-town/. live.
  23. Web site: The 50 Best BBQ Joints . . . in the World!. 2021-04-24. Texas Monthly. en-US. 2021-04-24. https://web.archive.org/web/20210424232445/https://www.texasmonthly.com/list/the-50-best-bbq-joints-in-the-world/. live.
  24. Web site: 2017-05-22. The List: The Top 50 Barbecue Joints in Texas. 2021-04-24. Texas Monthly. en. 2021-04-22. https://web.archive.org/web/20210422152257/https://www.texasmonthly.com/food/the-list-the-top-50-barbecue-joints-in-texas/. live.
  25. Web site: Grenoble. Ryan. 2014-07-11. Obama Cuts In Line, Pays It Forward. 2021-04-24. HuffPost. en. 2021-04-24. https://web.archive.org/web/20210424233707/https://www.huffpost.com/entry/obama-franklin-barbecue-pays-it-forward-austin_n_5577714. live.
  26. Web site: Odam. Matthew. David Chang says Aaron Franklin is best in the world (at more than barbecue). 2021-04-24. Austin 360. en. 2021-04-24. https://web.archive.org/web/20210424233714/https://www.austin360.com/entertainmentlife/20190405/david-chang-says-aaron-franklin-is-best-in-world-at-more-than-barbecue. live.
  27. Web site: Goldfarb. As told to Aaron. 2018-06-13. How Anthony Bourdain Sparked America's Obsession with Texas BBQ. 2021-04-24. Esquire. en-US. 2021-01-26. https://web.archive.org/web/20210126002009/https://www.esquire.com/food-drink/food/a21289305/anthony-bourdain-texas-barbecue/. live.
  28. Web site: Psencik. Katey. Gordon Ramsey cut in line at Franklin Barbecue, gave away his leftovers. 2021-04-24. Austin 360. en. 2021-04-24. https://web.archive.org/web/20210424233708/https://www.austin360.com/entertainment/20161026/gordon-ramsey-cut-in-line-at-franklin-barbecue-gave-away-his-leftovers. live.
  29. Web site: Perkins. Erin. 2019-05-21. Aaron Franklin Guests on Upcoming Netflix Series. 2021-11-02. Eater. en-US. 2021-11-03. https://web.archive.org/web/20211103024814/https://austin.eater.com/2019/5/21/18634275/aaron-franklin-netflix. live.
  30. Web site: 2014-02-10. Jimmy Kimmel in Austin. 2021-04-24. Texas Monthly. en. 2021-04-24. https://web.archive.org/web/20210424233707/https://www.texasmonthly.com/bbq/jimmy-kimmel-in-austin/. live.
  31. Web site: BBQ With Franklin. 2015. May 11, 2015. May 13, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150513000135/http://www.pbs.org/food/web-shows/bbq-with-franklin. live.
  32. Web site: KLRU Schedule - BBQ with Franklin. 2015. June 7, 2015. April 27, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150427193310/http://www.klru.org/program/bbq-with-franklin/. live.

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